Colonoscopy Anesthesiology

Colonoscopies are safe, routine procedures, but they can be uncomfortable. For this reason, virtually every colonoscopy done today includes some type of anesthesia.

Before the procedure, it can be useful to find out which types of anesthesia are available and to work with your doctor to understand your options and choose the best one for you.

Types of Anesthesia

During a colonoscopy, patients may use:

Conscious Sedation: Most patients undergoing colonoscopies use conscious sedation, which uses sedatives that decrease sensation but do not induce unconsciousness. Conscious sedation is usually administered by the doctor performing the procedure.

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC): Some patients undergoing colonoscopies opt to use this instead. Though approaches to monitored anesthetic care can vary, typically it results in a deeper state of unconsciousness and is supervised by an anesthesiologist or a registered nurse anesthetist.

For More Information

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